Oakdale, Minnesota: A tragic accident on Interstate 694 in Oakdale claimed the life of one individual and left another injured on Sunday morning, as reported by NEWS.ORG 9. The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) is currently investigating the incident, which involved alcohol and resulted in the death of Cody Gerald Heidenreich, 22, from Maplewood.

Details of the Incident

The crash occurred early Sunday morning when a Nissan Cube, driven by Heidenreich, came to a stop in the center lane of southbound I-694 just south of 10th Street in Oakdale. At approximately 5:55 a.m., a Cadillac Escalade collided with the stationary vehicle from behind, causing it to veer into the right-side ditch and ultimately strike a light pole, according to the MSP crash report.

Victims and Injuries

Heidenreich tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, while a 22-year-old woman, who was also in the Nissan, was transported to the hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Notably, the woman was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The driver of the Cadillac Escalade, a 52-year-old man from St. Paul, emerged from the incident unharmed.

Alcohol Involvement

Both drivers involved in the accident are suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, as indicated by the Minnesota State Patrol Crash report. This tragic incident underscores the dangers of driving under the influence and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving.

Road Closure and Impact

The severity of the collision led to the closure of the southbound lanes of I-694 until approximately 8:45 a.m., causing disruptions to traffic flow in the area.

Conclusion

The fatal crash on I-694 in Oakdale serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving practices and the devastating consequences that can result from impaired driving. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, authorities urge all motorists to prioritize safety and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substances.

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